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Niyama Maldives to present bold festive flavours with Michelin-starred Chef Hervé Rodriguez

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Niyama Private Islands Maldives comes alive with bold flavours this festive season, as Michelin-starred Chef Hervé Rodriguez jets in for 10 days to take the helm at overwater Edge restaurant.

With nine restaurants and bars dotted across two islands – in a jungle setting by bonfire-light, high up in the trees, or six metres below the ocean’s surface surrounded by corals and shoals of angelfish – Niyama Private Islands Maldives serves up culinary experiences of dreams.

Edge is Niyama’s destination restaurant set 500m out to sea. Guests feast perched over the waves, as some of the world’s most celebrated chefs take up residence, their cuisine inspired to new heights by such an unrivalled setting.

This year’s festive season dazzles with French prodigy Rodriguez featuring at Edge from December 19-29. For 10 days only, Chef Hervé will be presenting tasting menus of seasonal creations, with the freshest ingredients sourced from the four corners of the globe and served up with his legendary panache.

Known as the ‘Manipulateur de saveurs’ or the ‘Manipulator of Flavours’, a name bestowed on him by no less than the the Director of the Michelin guide Jean-François Mesplède, Chef Hervé is known for his celebrated restaurant MaSa, a must visit on the gastronomy scene situated in one of Paris’s most exclusive suburbs.

Chef Hervé knew from age five that he was destined to be a chef, such is his love of fine cuisine. And yet his path was an unconventional one – after joining the navy fresh out of hotelier school, Chef Herve’s first gig was in fact in the private residence of a Vice Admiral, serving as his personal chef. And yet signs of his stellar career to come could perhaps have been predicted when he was presented the opportunity to cook for Francois Mitterand and Laurent Fabius.

Leaving the navy, he joined the two-starred Hostellerie de Levernois by Jean Crotet in Bourgogne, then the three-starred Maison Lameloise. At the age of 24, he took over his first restaurant. It was then that he started to experiment with flavours – he rediscovered his Spanish roots, fell in love with Japanese cuisine, and travelled through Vietnam, Morocco and Central America exploring their histories through gastronomy. Folding subtle flavours and techniques from his travels into his current repertoire, Chef Hervé’s creations are unique, playful and full of life.

Niyama offers more than a luxury retreat in the Maldives. Going beyond conventional concepts of lavish accommodation, sumptuous cuisines, and lavish services, Niyama  presents every visitor with myriad opportunities to create their own exceptional island experience.

With twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama offers you the true luxury of choice, with everything expected from an island resort and so much more.

Chill is true to its name. You can discover new depths of relaxation at the Drift Spa, or take in a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema. Just off the coast, enjoy a fine dining experience at Edge accessible only by speedboat, while Subsix invites you the world’s finest underwater seafood restaurant and night club.

Play provides delightful diversions for those looking for more active pursuits. On the water, you can kayak around the islands or discover why Niyama is amongst the hottest surfing destinations. Bicyclists can explore the island at their own pace, perhaps lured by the aromas from the chef’s spice gardens.

What better way to celebrate the festive season than on a journey through world flavours? Join Chef Hervé at Edge from December 19-29. Reservations are highly recommended. Call +960 676 2828 or email reservations@niyama.com or log on to www.niyama.com/festive.

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Halloween programme for 2025, titled ‘Spooky Tropical Halloween’. The celebrations will take place from 28 October to 1 November, transforming the island into a Halloween-themed destination that combines the tropical setting of the Maldives with seasonal festivities.

The programme is designed to offer activities for both adults and children. On 31 October, adults can begin the evening with Haunted Cocktails at the Raalhu Bar, featuring themed drinks served against the backdrop of the sunset. This will be followed by the Spectacular Buffet Halloween Dinner at The Restaurant, showcasing a range of Halloween-inspired dishes and desserts. The night will conclude with The Halloween Spirit DJ Night at The Bar, offering music and entertainment alongside shisha under the stars.

Children will be able to join the Spooky Under the Sea adventure at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, running throughout the week from 28 October to 1 November. Activities will include crafts such as Shark Creation and Ghost Jellyfish making, a Spooky Story Circle, a Sea Monster Treasure Hunt, Trick-or-Treat, and Halloween costume making. The programme is intended to combine creativity with playful seasonal themes.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “Halloween at Kuda Villingili promises something spine-tingling for everyone, from our little explorers enjoying a spooky under-the-sea adventure to adults indulging in a thrilling tropical Halloween experience. This year’s theme allows us to create an atmosphere that is both exciting and enchanting, offering guests a uniquely memorable way to celebrate the holiday in our tropical paradise.”

The resort has stated that the Halloween celebrations aim to provide a range of events and crafts within an atmosphere that balances seasonal themes with the resort’s luxury environment, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.

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Experience ocean encounters: Manta Month at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.

Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.

Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.

Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”

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ROBINSON NOONU expands summer offering with wellness, sports, and cultural events

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ROBINSON NOONU, one of the Maldives’ leading resorts, has introduced a summer programme that combines culinary highlights, family activities, wellness initiatives, and entertainment events. The resort is recognised for creating memorable experiences that remain with guests long after departure and has curated a schedule designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers.

Guests at ROBINSON NOONU are offered a selection of culinary experiences enhanced by weekly live performances from international artists and DJs. These performances provide a varied musical backdrop, creating an immersive atmosphere for dining and evening entertainment.

Families visiting the resort this season can participate in the Weekly Splash Action at the newly renovated water sports jetty. The highlight of the event is a ten-metre-long air cushion (Blob), which catapults participants into the lagoon. The activity attracts additional interest when the General Manager joins in, adding to the sense of occasion.

The resort has expanded its sports and wellness offering with the introduction of a padel tennis court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to its facilities. Another addition is ‘YinSurf’ on the Strobel & Walter Balance Board, combining yoga, mindfulness, and full-body training. This programme is designed to promote physical wellbeing while supporting mental focus.

Every two weeks, the resort hosts themed events, including:

  • Jungle Party – held in a driftwood-inspired venue.
  • Underwater Party – featuring an inflatable octopus and 360° underwater visuals.
  • Sundowner Beach Party – an evening gathering on the beach during sunset.
  • White Party – an event on the pool deck with themed décor.
  • BOHO Festival Show – a new addition, with a bohemian setting of teepees and natural tones.
  • Pink Pool Party – a lively celebration with a colourful theme.

The highlight of the season will be the ‘This is NOONU’ Week, scheduled from 22 to 29 September. The programme includes performances from eight international artists, guest DJs, and WellFit experts. Events such as the Suite Party and a special edition of the Pink Pool Party will be featured, offering guests a range of experiences throughout the week.

By combining entertainment, wellness, sport, and culinary experiences, ROBINSON NOONU continues to strengthen its position as a Maldivian resort offering diverse programmes for its guests.

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